What is there to do in Washington, DC?
We’re willing to bet that one of the many reasons you want to intern in Washington, DC is that there are so many attractions and places of interest to visit. There are.
You’ll have time to do some sightseeing, but there is not enough time in one term to visit all the sights in DC. Below is a list of attractions, venues, monuments, and other activities past Truman interns have enjoyed while they interned in Washington. By no means are these lists exhaustive. Be sure to ask the people around your office about the cool attractions they think you should visit.
There is a wealth of information on the Internet about fun things to do and see when in DC. Here are a few sites to start with to find information about what is happening in DC. Don’t be afraid to search out other blogs on your own.
- AtlasObscura
- DCist
- Eater – Washington DC
- Rick Eats DC
- Washington.org
- Washington Post Going Out Guide
Also, check websites like Groupon and LivingSocial for deals or discounts on activities.
Museums:
Truman interns love Washington, DC, in part, because it is full of fantastic and amazing museums. The most well-known are the Smithsonian museums. You should definitely visit them, but don’t be afraid to venture away from the National Mall and visit others. Some museums charge admission, others do not, and others may have a suggested donation. Be sure to look up whatever museum you plan on visiting before you go.
- Smithsonian Museums
- Ford’s Theatre
- International Spy Museum
- Mdme Tussaud’s Wax Museum
- National Geographic Museum
- National Museum of Crime and Punishment
- Newseum
- United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Historic Sites, Monuments, and Memorials:
Of course, DC is well known for the many memorials and monuments placed all around the city. Not only are these monuments visually stunning, but they are also great places to learn a little about our national history and culture. For the most part, these sites are free to visit, but some of the historical sites may charge a small admission price.
- Air Force Memorial
- African-American Civil War Memorial
- Arlington National Cemetary
- Dumbarton House
- FDR Memorial
- Jefferson Memorial
- Korean War Veterans Memorial
- Lincoln Memorial
- Marine Corps Memorial (Iwo Jima)
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
- Mount Vernon (George Washington’s Estate)
- National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
- National World War II Memorial
- Pentagon 9/11 Memorial
- President Lincoln’s Cottage
- Theodore Roosevelt’s Island
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- Washington Monument
- Women in Military Service for America Memorial
Professional Sports:
So, you’re a sports fan and would like to take in a game or two while living in the capital city? DC has several professional sports teams. Obviously, where you’re willing to sit in the stadium will affect the cost of your ticket. Watching nationally competitive professional athletes is a solid 2-3 hours of entertainment.
- Baseball
- Baltimore Orioles (MLB)
- Washington Nationals (MLB)
- Basketball
- Washington Mystics (WNBA)
- Washington Wizards (NBA)
- Football
- Washington Football (NFL)
- Ice Hockey
- Washington Capitals (NHL)
- Lacrosse
- Chesapeake Bayhawks (MLL)
- Rugby
- Old Glory DC (MLR)
- Soccer
- DC United (MLS)
- Washington Spirit (NWSL)
- Tennis
- Washington Kastles (WTT)
Sports and Outdoor Activities:
Perhaps you would rather be the athlete than watch the athlete. There are plenty of activities in, and just outside of, Washington, DC. Are you a golfer? A hiker? Do you like to boat/sail? How about riding horses? All of these things and more are available to you while you are living in the DC area. Be sure to check costs before you head out.
- Boating/Kayaking/Sailing
- Boating in DC (links to several area Boathouses)
- Bowling
- Bicycling
- Golf
- Hiking/Walking
- Horseback Riding
- Ice Skating
- Tennis
- Yoga
Arts and Entertainment Attractions:
Washington, DC has a tremendous arts scene. You can take in plays, go to concerts, or even see a ballet. What better way to up your cultural cred while you’re interning in DC?
- Arena Stage
- Capital Laughs
- DAR Constitutional Hall
- DC Improv Comedy Club
- Drafthouse Comedy Theatre
- Ford’s Theatre
- John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
- Merriweather Post Pavillion
- National Theatre
- Shakespeare Theatre Company
- Strathmore
- Underground Comedy Club
- Washington Ballet
- Washington National Opera
- Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
- Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
Science and Nature Attractions:
Want to learn while you’re entertained? Then perhaps these attractions will interest you.
- Luray Caverns
- Marian Koshland Science Museum
- National Museum of Health and Medicine
- Smithsonian’s National Zoo
- Smithsonian’s Udvar-Hazy Center
- US Botanic Garden
- US National Arboretum
Again, this is not an exhaustive list of things to see and do in Washington, DC. These are merely suggestions, a starting point, for your adventure in the nation’s capital city. We encourage you to get out of your apartment and explore the city. Find interesting restaurants and cuisines to eat. Seek out art in strange places. Wander aimlessly on purpose. By all means, enjoy what Washington, DC has to offer.
*By the way, if you’ve interned or been to DC before and want to recommend an attraction for this list, let Dr. Self know!